Athletes, officials and fans traveling to the 2016 Summer Games via Rio de Janeiro’s main airport, Galeão-Tom Jobim International Airport, will enjoy an improved travel experience when they arrive. The airport recently implemented a number of Rockwell Collins airport operational solutions to better handle the influx of passengers and aircraft arriving for the 2016 games.

“The Galeão Airport is the gateway to our country, and it’s important that we provide the best possible experience for travelers attending one of the world’s premier sporting events,” said Herlichy Bastos, operations director at RIOgaleão. “The ARINC airport systems allow us to more effectively manage airline ground activities—from the moment a plane lands on the runway until it takes off again. Optimizing our airport infrastructure is enabling us to handle more planes and manage more airlines more effectively.”

The Rockwell Collins solutions are part of a $2 billion program focused on renovating and expanding the airport prior to the start of the games. The airport has implemented several key systems to improve airport operations, alleviating aircraft congestion at gates and improving on-time departure and arrival rates. Other key improvements include a new digital signage system that keeps passengers informed and moving through the airport.

“Beyond the games, RIOgaleão has ambitious growth plans, with a goal of operating at a capacity of 37.5 million passengers per year—a significant increase from its current capacity,” said Augusto de Macedo Santos, head of sales, Latin America. “Brazil is a rapidly growing market and this marks yet another key milestone in our commitment to invest and grow our business in the country.”

Rockwell Collins’ airport systems management organization, ARINC Managed Services, is responsible for the on-site maintenance and support of all the systems.